St Catherine, Horwich

The Bishop of Manchester, the Rt Revd. Nigel McCulloch visited the parish of St Catherine, Horwich, on Monday 10th March, 2008.

After prayers in St Catherine's the Team Vicar, the Revd. Michael Behrend took the bishop to visit "Tumble Jungle", a children's activity centre and café, very close to the church, and a good place to meet up with a number of church families who are regulars there. The bishop chatted with staff and had fun with children and their parents and carers.

Returning towards St Catherine's, the bishop visited a care home for older people, built on former church land, next door to the church. Ordained Local Minister at St Catherine's, Terry Litherland is a  regular visitor and the bishop met him, together with residents and staff.

At the community reception, hosted by the church council, the bishop met a number of representatives of the local community including Horwich Town Mayor, Cllr Ken Denton, Anne Duckworth, St Catherine's C of E Primary School Headteacher, representatives of Horwich Air Cadets as well as local business people and over 60 church members.

During the Pilgrimage Service which followed, the Revd. Terry Litherland,  who has been part of the local community and of the life of St Catherine's for many years spoke about his life and faith in relation to the recent history of St Catherine's. Emma Jackson, in her St John Ambulance uniform; a member of St Catherine's in her teens returned the Commonwealth Games baton to the bishop as the service ended.

Photos from this Run the race Bishop's pilgrimage

The Revd Michael Behrend, Team Vicar, said of the bishop's visit, 'everyone was encouraged. The bishop message challenged and encouraged us to pass on the Gospel, and the service ended on a challenging note with the offer of a personal blessing and anointing. Even those who might not call themselves Christians came up and were 'warmed by it'. The day was hard work - but it was well worth doing!